Best Comfortable Shoes for Narrow Feet (Men & Women)

You’re not alone if you have narrow feet. You’re also not alone if you have trouble finding shoes that best fit your narrower foot.

Finding the best shoes for narrow feet is often a challenge, but we’re here to help with a guide and product reviews to make your task easier.

We’ll review the best quality shoes for men and women – including the Asics Gel Kayano 24 running shoe – and discuss topics such as the best shoe brands for narrow feet.

But let’s get started by looking at some buying tips for anyone in the market for a pair of shoes for narrow feet.

Quick summary

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Before you buy: 6 Things to consider when purchasing shoes for narrow feet

Narrow feet are more common than one might expect, so it’s not as if you won’t have plenty option regarding shoe-buying. Nonetheless, shopping for shoes for narrow feet takes some careful consideration to avoid being stuck with a decidedly uncomfortable shoe.

1. Comfort

Comfort should be at the top of anyone’s list when shopping for footwear. After all, no one will tolerate a shoe that pinches, rubs or causes irritation for very long.

Finding the best shoe if you have narrow feet may require specialized fitting to ensure the highest comfort level. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to have your feet sized by a professional whenever possible.

Finding the best fit when buying shoes online is often tricky; be sure to follow any size guides provided and to read the reviews of customers who, in many cases, may suggest buying a size that’s different from their other shoes.

Another important tip to consider is the time of the day that you have your feet measured and when you try on a particular shoe. Our feet swell naturally during the day, which is why it’s best to try on your shoes in the late afternoon or early evening. A shoe that fits a bit snug in the morning will be too tight later in the day.

2. Don’t Buy a Half-Size Smaller

Be wary of the salesperson who suggests buying a shoe a half-size smaller than your regular shoe size to compensate for your narrow feet. While it’s true that the width will fit, you’ll also end up with a shoe that’s not long enough – which will result in cramped and jammed toes, among other issues.

Instead, buy shoes of medium width and use foam insoles to make up for an extra bit of width. The extra bit of padding provided by the removable insole may even make for a more comfortable shoe overall.

3. Gender Matters

Women’s feet not only have a different shape and contour than men’s feet, but a women’s narrow size is even more narrow than that of a man’s foot. That’s something to consider when, say, buying a running shoe that’s technically unisex but may very well have a different fit and feel for men and women.

4. Support

Finding a shoe that offers sufficient support is important no matter what your foot width. A shoe that lacks arch support can lead to a variety of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis. Make sure the shoe you choose has plenty of arch support, especially if you spend long hours on your feet.

5. The Heel

Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with minimum amount slippage, if any at all. It’s another reason why it’s important to walk around in your new shoes before deciding whether to buy them.

6. Durability

No one wants to spend good money on shoes that will wear out too soon. Shoes made from leather tend to be more durable than shoes made from other materials, although many non-leather, synthetic materials can last a long time, as well.

It’s also important to wear your shoes for their intended purpose, because they’ll wear out more quickly if you don’t. For example, a “sneaker” style shoe will break down rather quickly – and potentially cause foot and leg issues – if used for jogging.

Let’s move on to our reviews of the best shoes for narrow feet.

The 11 best shoes for narrow feet for men and women

1. Asics Men’s Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoes

Improving on an already excellent product is never easy but Asics makes it happen with its iconic Gel Kayano running shoe. The Kayano 24 represents one step in the line’s evolution and steady progression forward.

The result is a shoe that’s ideal for men and women and one that rates among the best shoes for narrow feet and high arches.

There’s a lot to like about this shoe and plenty of reasons why so many runners swear by the Kayano brand. To start with what’s new, the Kayano 24 features a dual-layer midsole and a redesigned upper that helps provide a customized fit.

And while many of the Kayano 24 technology borrows heavily from previous versions – and there’s nothing wrong with that – it attains a new level of cushioning, protection, and stability.

Lightweight cushioning comes from Asics’ unique Flytefoam and Flitefoam Lyte technology that’s 55% lighter than industry standard EVA.

Note: EVA stands for ethyl vinyl acetate, a human-made foam used in midsole construction that’s referred to often when discussing a shoe’s overall comfort and cushioning.

Additionally, the Gel Kayano 24 features rearfoot and forefoot GEL technology that reduces the shock during the impact and lift-off phases of each stride. It also allows for natural movement as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.

The Gel Kayano’s seamless construction provides a softer and more comfortable fit than most other shoes, and according to many wearers offers a true fit and sizing.

The Kayano 24’s all-important outsole consists of high-abrasion rubber that’s exceptionally durable, but with a sponge-like consistency that makes it lighter and more flexible than conventional rubber. It also bolsters support in the shoe’s high-wear zones to withstand better the impact and stress of running.

The midsole offers plenty of support, as well, thanks in part to Asics’ Dynamic DuoMax System which includes a wedge unit that helps reduce overpronation. Meanwhile, FluidRide foam provides additional cushioning in the midfoot that’s, as mentioned, lightweight, and which helps running performance.

The Kayano 24 upper includes Jacquard mesh, a material that’s stretchable and adaptive, to provide a snug, secure fit that’s not to tight. Finally, the heel features a double-layer of memory foam for further cushioning and an accurate fit.

Bottom Line

The Gel Kayano series keeps getting better, which is saying something. The Kayano 24 is a great choice for men with narrow feet.

2. Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandals (Women’s)

For many people, warmer weather means its time to break out the sandals, and for women with narrow feet the Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandal is an excellent choice for summer.

One of the first things to like about the Gizeh sandal is its fit. It features includes a contoured cork footbed that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s foot while offering excellent arch support, and comes with a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box. Moreover, it has a suede lining that helps cushion your foot.

A lightweight EVA sole helps absorb the shock of every impact as you walk and is flexible enough to provide excellent comfort.

The Birkenstock Gizeh’s latex footbed helps provide a more natural walking environment, while a raised toe bar promotes the natural gripping motion of your foot without causing unnecessary fatigue. The Gizeh also cradles the heel and has excellent cushioning underneath the heel bone.

The Gizeh consists of a blend of synthetic and oiled leather; the latter develops a natural, attractive patina over time.

We also like the traction and stability this sandal offers, even on terrain that isn’t necessarily even or smooth.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the best sandals for narrow feet, then look no further than the Birkenstock Gizeh. The Gizeh is comfortable, conforms to the unique shape of your foot, and provides plenty of traction.

3. Cole Haan Grandpro Tennis Fashion Sneakers (Men’s)

One way to look at the Cole Haan Grandpro Tennis Fashion Sneaker is this – it weighs only a bit more than an iPhone deluxe model. If you’re looking for a lightweight men’s sneaker, then you need to give this shoe a closer look.

But, while the Grandpro Tennis Fashion Sneaker weighs in at a mere 8.8 ounces, it has many features provide a comfortable fit. Also, Cole Haan is one brand – which we’ll mention later – that’s known for making shoes which are excellent for people with narrow feet.

The Grandpro Fashion Sneaker qualifies as a minimalist design that many people prefer in sneakers and it’s fashionable enough to wear for many occasions. It consists of smooth leather with suede detail and has minimal stitching, all while demonstrating impeccable craftsmanship.

While the folks at Cole Haan make the Grandpro sneaker as lightweight as possible, it sacrifices nothing regarding the shoe’s overall comfort and support. The sneaker features Grand.os technology that emphasizes the shoe’s flexibility, cushioning, and lightweight comfort.

The Grandpro also has a textile-covered footbed that provides the ultimate in comfort and breathability, while rubber pods placed in the heel and forefoot offer excellent traction and stability.

And, again, the Grandpro’s simplistic design is stylish enough that it resembles an oxford that you might wear with a suit. Not that we’re recommending it for dressier occasions, but it doesn’t look out of place in most social occasions.

No matter when you wear it, however, the Grandpro provides the necessary comfort and style for every walk of life.

Bottom Line

The Cole Haan Grandpro Tennis Sneaker eliminates extraneous features without taking anything away from its overall quality. It’s also ideal for men with narrow feet.

4. Naturalizer Clarissa Slip-On Shoe (Women’s)

One of the many positives of the most comfortable shoes for narrow feet is their versatility. The Naturalizer Clarissa Slip-On is just such a shoe and will keep your comfortable whether you wear them to run errands, casual evenings out, or even for work.

The Naturalizer Clarissa has a simplistic design that doesn’t necessarily have all the bells and whistles but is very stylish nonetheless. But shoes for narrow feet should be, above all, comfortable and the Clarissa has all the features that enhance comfort throughout your day.

The Clarissa’s design includes soft lining that keeps your feet cool and dry (they’re exceptionally breathable) while a comfort insole offers the comfort and flexibility suitable for all-day wear. The shoe’s overall cushioning is such that you get plenty of support while keeping your feet fresh – not fatigued – and ache-free, even after long hours standing or walking.

A thermoplastic rubber outsole provides proper support and stability, as well as good traction, while further comfort comes from an ergonomic toe and heel shape. A lower heel enhances the Clarissa’s stability without placing extra pressure on narrow feet.

The slip-on style features a lateral zipper – with medial side goring – that eliminates the need for laces. They also provide the convenience of easy on and off wear.

Bottom Line

Comfort, versatility, style – all combine to make the Naturalizer Clarissa an excellent choice for women with narrow feet.

5. Nike Free 5.0 (Men’s)

 

Nike is another company noted for creating shoes that provide an excellent fit for people with narrow fit and their men’s Free 5.0 sneaker is no exception.

The Free 5.0 features a molded midfoot saddle that offers a supportive, lightweight fit. It’s also said to be lighter than previous versions, which were plenty lightweight enough to begin with, while offering a full range of motion that complements the natural movement of your foot.

The shoe’s upper helps the Nike Free 5.0 stand out among many other shoe brands and styles. It’s made from breathable mesh with durable synthetic overlays that help keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable. The ventilated mesh comes in handy during long runs when your feet become overheated.

The upper also features Dynamic Flywire cables that help make for a more exact fit and tailored to the needs of each wearer.

The Free 5.0’s rubber sole features hexagonal flex grooves and plenty of grip, all while allowing your feet to move naturally and freely. The outsole features durable rubber placed in critical areas where wear and abrasion are most common. It helps to protect you from the impact of your feet hitting the pavement.

For many wearers, switching to the 5.0 from another brand helped eliminate fatigue and the aches and pains that occurred while wearing other shoes. They also liked that there wasn’t much a break-in period with the Nike 5.0.

Bottom Line

Nike makes all kinds of running shoes for all kinds of people and feet, so it only stands to reason that they’d have a pair (or two) that work well for folks with narrow feet. The Free 5.0 checks all the right boxes.

6. Propet TravelActiv Fashion Sneakers (Women’s)

The Propet company has made it its mission to offer quality footwear for hard-to-fit feet or those whose feet need special care since its inception in 1985. That includes their TravelActiv Fashion Sneakers, the best sneakers for narrow feet.

Like all of Propet’s shoes, the TravelActiv features removable footbeds that are comfortable enough, but which can also accommodate custom orthotics to help you achieve the best, well-cushioned fit possible.

The lace-up sneaker design features a lightweight and flexible rubber outsole that creates excellent stability and traction. Made from rubber, the outsole helps allow the foot to move more naturally and is suitable for walking short and long distances.

The uppers also feature careful construction that adapts well to the contours and size of your foot – not the least of which is its width – while Propet’s sneakers come in a full range of sizes to make it easier to find the best fit.

Another cool feature is that the TravelActiv series is treated with Scotchgard to make it stain and water-resistant.

Bottom Line

Propet is committed to developing shoes for people with uncommon feet sizes and widths and their TravelActiv series is ideal for women with narrow feet. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and supportive.

7. Brooks Addiction Walker (Men’s)

Brooks Addiction Walker (Women’s)

The Brooks Addiction Walker falls into several categories regarding “best of” shoe reviews, including the best walking shoes for men and women. They also rank among the best shoes for people with narrow feet.

But that’s no surprise considering everything the Addiction Walker has to offer, including:

• Excellent arch support for low arches and overpronators (people whose natural foot movement bends inward).
• A supple full-grain leather upper that’s comfortable and durable.
• Brooks’ unique BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that provides softness and support for all-day comfort.
• An MC Pod configuration integrates the midsole and outsole to keep the foot in an efficient and balanced position at all times.
• Progressive diagonal roll bar technology located at the medial arch allows for exceptional pronation control.
• The Addiction Walker’s removable insole offers lightweight underfoot cushioning and features a flat-to-medium arch for additional support.
• A breathable mesh lining helps to create a more comfortable interior fit.
• The shoe’s outsole has an anti-slip compound lining that’s durable enough to handle the hardest surfaces, including concrete.

There’s a lot else to like about the Addiction Walker, including that some users say it helps relieve foot and leg pains they experience while wearing other shoes. And, perhaps the best way to describe it is that it has the fit and feel of a running shoe in a casual everyday walker.

Bottom Line

You’d be hard-pressed to find another walking shoe with the all-around quality of the Brooks Addiction Walker which, among many other attributes, is a good choice for people with narrow feet.

8. Grasshoppers Windham Slip-On Flat (Women’s)

Who doesn’t like a shoe that fits comfortably right from the box? Skipping a lengthy break-in period is both a luxury and a convenience, and one offered by the Grasshoppers Windham Slip-On Flat.

The Slip-On Flat has many other attributes – not the least of which is that it’s a great shoe for women with narrow feet – and is inspired by boat shoe designs. It has a sporty look but is also a shoe that’s practical for many occasions.

You’ll like the Windham’s lightweight, flexible feel that makes it ideal for many daily demands, whether they include running errands, shopping, sightseeing, and more.

Another important feature is the Slip-On Flat’s OrthoLite foam interior. You’ve undoubtedly heard of OrthoLite if you’ve done any research into shoes, and it’s found in the insoles of many top brands, including Nike, Asics, Merrell, and Timberland.

What OrthoLite has to offer includes recovery foam that conforms to the foot and rebounds to its original shape with each stride. It molds to your foot’s shape to create a unique fit regardless of your foot’s size or width.

The OrthoLite memory foam also features anti-microbial properties that help keep your feet fresh and dry, even on the warmest summer days, and also helps to stave off foot odor.

The Windham Slip-On includes a lightweight canvas upper and a synthetic outsole that provides plenty of traction and stability. Attaining the perfect fit is made easier thanks to around-the-collar lacing and elastic gores at the tongue.

Last, but not least, the Grasshoppers Windham Slip-On is available at a decidedly affordable price. It’s proof that you don’t have to break your budget to find a quality shoe for narrow feet.

Bottom Line

From its stylish, boat shoe-inspired design to its interior comfort, the Grasshopper Windham Slip-On is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best shoes for narrow feet. It’s also versatile enough for use in a variety of activities.

9. ECCO Yucatan Off-Road Hiking Sandal (Men’s)

Hikers understand that their footwear must measure up in many categories, including stability. Long hours spent on potentially uneven terrain place many demands on the feet, and a hiking sandal must be able to meet those demands.

The ECCO Yucatan Off-Road Hiking Sandal qualifies in all of those ways and has an additional plus in that it’s an excellent choice for people with narrow feet. With over 10 million pairs sold, it qualifies as an ECCO “classic” and one of the best performance sandals around.

The Yucatan’s all-important outsole consists of rubber and offers superior flexibility and cushioning while providing the necessary traction that hikers need. The Yucatan’s design creates dynamic support from the initial ground impact to the toe-off.

The shoe’s upper, made from nubuck leather, features two sidebars, excellent adjustability, and a neoprene lining that helps to create a soft, comfortable fit.

The Yucatan’s footbed consists of lightweight, molded EVA with a microfiber cover that offers supreme cushioning and stability. It also includes Agion technology that makes for a bacteria-free, healthy interior environment while eliminating foot odor.

Three adjustable hook-and-loop straps make it easy to get the best fit from the Yucatan Hiking Sandals, no matter your foot’s shape.

While sandals may not be the best choice when hiking on particularly rough terrain, they’re ideal for gentler summer hikes because, in part, of how they help keep your feet cool when the weather heats up. That’s another reason to like ECCO’s classic hiking sandal.

Bottom Line

Finding a sandal that can hold up to the rigors of hiking without sacrificing comfort isn’t always easy. Fortunately, the ECCO Yucatan offers everything you need in a hiking sandal, and it’s a good choice for people with narrow feet.

10. Clarks Emslie Twist Fashion Boot (Women’s)

Most importantly for our review, the Clarks Emslie Twist Fashion Boot has a design that accommodates a narrow foot and a snug fit easily. But those aren’t the only reasons we like them.

Like anything produced by Clarks, the Emslie Twist has many quality features, not the least of which is its trendy, heeled boot design made from premium leather. You can wear it for work, as a dress shoe, and for casual events.

It also features an OrthoLite footbed that provides the necessary softness and comfort to get you through the day, no matter what the activity. The synthetic sole offers ideal impact absorption and traction.

The Emslie Twist boot features a zip-up design while the boot shaft measure 4.13 inches, according to Amazon’s specs. The heel measures 2.16 inches while the boot opening measures 9 inches around.

Bottom Line

The Emslie Twist is a good choice if you’re looking for a boot that accommodates narrow feet. It looks good while offering the comfort you and your feet desire.

11. New Balance 847V3 Walking Shoe (Men’s)

Version 3 of the New Balance’s popular 847 walking shoe represents the next step forward in an already quality line of shoes.

What makes the 847V3 so good? For starters, its design provides lasting comfort whether you’re out for a long walk or a shorter one. Its overall comfort comes down to a variety of factors, including motion control technology that provides stability and an excellent platform for your individual stride.

A rollbar positioned between the midsole and outsole keeps your foot secure during each movement while tackling issues such as overpronation.

The 847V3 outsole features Ndurance technology – a proprietary rubber that’s designed to endure the impact and potential abrasion no matter what the surface. It’s also non-marking and has enough durability to last a long time before wearing down.

Flex grooves located in the shoe’s forefoot helps promote proper foot flexion, while the back of the shoe includes a softer heel and provides smoother heel-to-toe transition than ever before.

The 847V3 midsole features ABZORB technology that offers foam-based cushioning that helps disperse the weight of each stride at the point of impact while reducing the overall shock.

Finally, the shoe’s upper consists of mesh and synthetic materials that help keep the foot cool, dry, and well-ventilated.

Bottom Line

New Balance creates quality shoes for a variety of functions and foot widths, not the least of which is its top-notch line of walking shoes. The men’s 847V3 is among the best of its very best walkers.

4 Comfort tips for people with narrow feet

While it’s true that people with narrow feet struggle to wear “normal” shoes (or shoes of normal sizes, that is), it’s not impossible by any means. And there are things you can do to make sure your feet remain comfortable throughout the day.

1. Take Advantage of Insoles

Sometimes all you need is a cushioned insole to take your shoe’s fit from “good” to “great.” Make sure that the insole offers enough heel, arch, and shock support that your feet need. A quality insole provides extra support to your feet and joints while also fitting snugly enough – but not too snugly – to reduce friction inside of the shoe.

2. Lace Your Shoes Accordingly

One way to help your shoes fit better if you have narrow feet is the method by which you lace your shoes. If your shoe features two sets of eyelets on each side, lace through the ones furthest from the tongue, which helps to bring both sides of the shoe together more tightly.

In general, shoes with an extra eyelet toward the tongue tend to provide a better fit for a narrow fit.

3. Heel Inserts

Some people have feet that are narrower at the heel rather than the forefoot. If that’s an issue for you, consider buying heel inserts that cup your feet and take up some of the extra room created by your narrower heel. It also helps prevent slipping and sliding within your shoe.

4. Look for Styles That Are Easily Customizable

Shoe styles with adjustable straps, zippers, and laces offer a more customizable fit than, say, slip-on shoes and sandals, although that’s not to say you can’t find a good fit in those types of shoes, as well.

The 7 best shoe brands for people with narrow feet

Whether you’re shopping for shoes that best fit your outfits, casual or otherwise, or for shoes suitable for certain activities, you need to choose wisely if you have narrow feet. While many brands offer quality shoes for narrow feet, some rise to the top regarding design, technology, comfort, and a variety of choices.

Here’s a look at some of the shoe brands for narrow feet:

1. Nike

Nike has a lot to offer for anyone with narrow feet who’s in the market for a pair of running shoes. The iconic footwear brand offers plenty of styles in a variety of narrow sizes that makes finding a great pair of running shoes hassle-free.

2. Cole Haan

Cole Haan offers quality shoes that fit every foot width – narrow, wide, and anything in-between.

3. Stuart Weitzman

When it comes to designer shoes for narrow feet, few brands rise to the occasion like Stuart Weitzman. While a bit pricier than other brands, Stuart Weitzman has plenty of choices for women with narrow feet, including its Mira Mule.

4. Naturalizer

The Naturalizer brand combines comfort with design – without sacrificing style – and has offers many options for people with narrow feet.

5. Easy Spirit

The Easy Spirit collects includes a wide range of narrow-width options from sandals to slip-ons to clogs. Check out their best-selling Traveltime Mule for women.

6. Brooks

Like Nike, Brooks has plenty to offer for men and women seeking the best running and walking shoes for men and women.

7. Bella Vita

Bella Vita offers everything from casual to work and formal shoes at a reasonable price and has plenty to choose from for people with narrow feet. Check out their women’s Paula II Wedge Sandal.

The reasons why we chose these shoes for our review

The criteria we followed for choosing the products for the best shoes for narrow feet reviews included many things, including many of the same factors listed in our shoe-buying tips above. But, to break it down a bit, we considered:

• Style – Everyone has his or her preferences when it comes to style and fashion and we kept that in mind when choosing our top 11 shoes. The shoes on our list covered a variety of styles and designs and, hopefully, we included something for everyone.
• Price – While you can, fortunately, find great shoes for narrow feet in any price range, we tried to create a list of shoes that ranged from extremely affordable to a bit more pricey. Remember, a higher-priced shoe doesn’t automatically make it “better” than a shoe in a lower price range. But make sure that shoe A) suits your needs, and B) offers a comfortable, quality fit, no matter how much you pay for it.
• Support – A shoe’s overall support also contributes to its overall comfort. If it can’t support your feet properly, by your unique gait, then it’s not a good option if you have narrow feet, or feet of any width, for that matter.
• Durability – Spending your hard-earned money on a shoe that’s going to break down and fall apart in a few months doesn’t make sense, even if it offers superior comfort and fits nicely. Certain materials tend to last longer than others.
• Purpose – We also took into account a shoe’s intended use. Is it a running shoe? A sandal? A shoe that’s good for casual and even dressier wear?

Conclusion

Finding shoes that best fit your narrow feet needn’t be a chore or daunting. You need to choose carefully, but the good news is that many brands offer a variety of styles that suit everyone’s needs.

We’d also love to hear from you. Do you have narrow feet and, if so, what shoes do you prefer? Why do you like them? We always welcome your feedback.

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